Mediation is based on the principle that those involved in a dispute are the best people to find the solution. A mediator facilitates a meeting with both parties and helps them find a way forward that they can both agree to.

Mediation is confidential, anything discussed during a meeting cannot be used later unless all parties agree.

Mediation can lead to binding agreements if, after the mediation, both parties wish to sign up to the agreements that they have made.

• Are fully trained
• Are responsible for helping you to reach a resolution acceptable to all those involved
• Are bound by the rules of confidentiality and will not share information between people without their permission
• Ensure meetings are conducted in a fair and productive way
• Assist in writing down agreements
• Will not take notes from the meeting, or appear in any further proceedings

The mediator explains what will happen and suggests some basic ground rules e.g. not interrupting one another. Each person states how they see things now and what resolutions they are hoping for. The mediator helps everyone to deal with the issues one by one, sometimes as a whole group, sometimes in smaller meetings. When everyone is happy that all the issues have been discussed and all possible resolutions have been reached, the mediation will end. The process is entirely voluntary and you may leave the meeting at any time.

Once the request for mediation has been considered and both parties wish to proceed, you will be contacted by the person setting up the mediation. You will agree on who will carry out the mediation and who you can bring as support. You will agree the date and venue and whether the mediation session will start as a single meeting or separate meetings. The views of the young person, if appropriate, will be sought. All parties provide a brief outline of the issues to the mediator.

If the agreements are to be made formal, this will happen after a short break and the mediator can assist if needed. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire for feedback on the session. This feedback helps us to continually improve our service.

The process of mediation is not intended to replicate the SEN Tribunal so there is no legal representation on either side. Participating in mediation does not affect your rights to proceed with an appeal to the SEN & Disability Tribunal (SENDIST).

If you have any queries relating to mediation please contact Linda Darnell, at    or 07973 802959

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